Work has started on a Weymouth building which has stood derelict for more than 20 years and is now going to be converted into apartments and a three bed cottage.
In 2002 the Grade II listed Maiden Street Methodist Church was badly damaged by fire which was brought under control by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service, although, amongst other damage, the the roof was mostly destroyed.
Cranbourne Group, the company responsible for the restoration, commented that, since the building had been left derelict, it was not going to be the easiest to restore.
Local councillor, Jon Orrell, commented that it was “fantastic news” that the building would come back into use and provide much needed housing.
The apartments are priced between £150k to £215k, with the cottage priced at £385k.
Local photographer Idris Martin said, “At the time, I was freelancing for the local press and received a call very early in the morning to get down there and capture some images of the scene. When I arrived, although the fire was under the control of the Dorset Fire Brigade and not spreading to adjacent buildings, but it was still well alight”.
“I spoke to a fireman that I knew, and he told me that when he arrived, it reminded him of pictures of the London Blitz that he had seen in the movies and on TV. He added that as they were preparing their kit to fight the fire, an explosion blew out the circular window at the front of the building and half of the roof, projecting a fireball halfway down Mitchell Street”.
The restoration begins
Photos below from 2002:
